 Ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege to present to you the President of the United States. Mr. President. Thank you all very much. Thank you. Secretary Lehman, I thank you. Captain Fogarty, the officers and members of the crew, and the other distinguished guests. Secretary of Defense Weinberger would be here, but with all of us here, he felt that someone had to stay in Washington and mine the store. By all this navy blue and gold, I had a strange feeling that I'm back on the set filming Hellcats of the Navy. That was a picture that was based on a great victorious operation of the Navy in World War II in the Sea of Japan called Operation Hellcat. I remember at the time I was in love with my leading lady. She is Nancy, my wife, and I'm still in love with her, but I have to confess that today I find myself developing a great respect for the leading lady in these ceremonies. She's gray, she's had her face lifted, but she's still in the prime of life, a gallant lady in the New Jersey. I'm honored to be here for the recommissioning of this mighty force for peace and freedom. Putting this great ship back to work protecting our country represents a major step toward fulfilling our pledge to rebuild America's military capabilities. It marks the resurgence of our nation's strength. It's a strength we can afford. We cannot afford to lose it. Since the founding of our armed forces during the Revolutionary War, our country has always done without large standing armies and navies. Our great success story, unique in history, has been based on peaceful achievements in almost every sphere of human experience. In our two centuries of continuous democracy, we've been the envy of the world in technology, commerce, agriculture, and economic potential. Our status as a free society and world power is not based on brute strength. When we've taken up arms, it has been for the defense of freedom, for ourselves and for other peaceful nations who needed our help. But now, faced with the development of weapons with immense destructive power, we've no choice but to maintain ready defense forces that are second to none. Yes, the cost is high, but the price of neglect would be infinitely higher. Another great power in the world sees its military forces in a different light. The Soviet Union has achieved sheer power status only by, or I should say, superpower status, only by virtue of its military might. It is done so by sacrificing and ignoring achievement in virtually any and every other field. In contrast, America's strength is the bedrock of the free world's security, for the freedom we guard is not just our own. But over the past years, we began to drift dangerously away from what was so clearly our responsibility. From 1970 to 1979, our defense spending in constant dollars decreased by 22 percent. The Navy, so vital to protecting our interest in faraway trouble spots, shrank as you've been told by the Secretary from more than a thousand ships to 453. Potential adversaries saw this unilateral disarmament, which was matched in all the other services, as a sign of weakness and a lack of will necessary to protect our way of life. While we talked of détente, the lessening of tensions in the world, the Soviet Union embarked on a massive program of militarization. Since around 1965, they have increased their military spending, nearly doubling it over the past 15 years. In a free society such as ours where differing viewpoints are permitted, there will be people who oppose defense spending of any kind at any level. There are others who believe in defense but who mistakenly feel that the Department of Defense is inherently wasteful and unconcerned about cost cutting. Well, they're dead wrong. Waste in government spending of any kind is an ever-present threat. But I can assure our fellow citizens there is no room for waste in our national defense. A dollar wasted is a dollar lost in the crucial effort to build a safer future for our people. Secretary Weinberger and the members of this administration are committed to spending what is necessary for defense to secure the peace and not a penny more. As the recommissioning of this ship demonstrates, we're rearming with prudence using existing assets to the fullest. To those who have been led to believe that we've gone overboard on national security needs and are spending a disproportionate share on the military, let me state this is not true. In spite of all the sound and fury that we hear and read, defense spending as a percentage of gross national product is well below what it was in the Eisenhower and Kennedy years. The simple fact is that by reforming defense procurement, by stressing efficiencies and economies in weapon system production, we have been able to structure and fund a defense program our nation can afford. It meets the threat and it provides wages and benefits that are more akin to what our men and women in uniform deserve. Already, we're relieving or realizing tremendous dividends from our defense program. The readiness of our forces is dramatically improved. As you've just been told, we're more than meeting our recruitment goals and we've had congressional support for such key initiatives as the purchase of two aircraft carriers, the B-1 bomber and the C-5 transport plane. As a nation, we're committed to take every step to substantially reduce the possibility of nuclear war while providing an unshakable deterrent to such a war for ourselves and our allies. To this end, we're closing the window of vulnerability by instituting a comprehensive strategic force modernization program. But while we do this, we're advancing vigorous arms control proposals aimed at deep and verifiable reductions in strategic nuclear missiles. We have proposed that intermediate-range nuclear missiles in Europe be reduced to zero on both sides at the same time we cut conventional forces in Europe to balanced levels. And I may say the news is encouraging. The Soviet Union has met us halfway on the zero option. They've agreed to zero on our part. We can't shut our eyes to the fact that as the Soviet military power increased, so did their willingness to embark on military adventures. The scars are plainly evident in a number of third-world countries. We're also aware that though the Soviet Union is historically a land power, virtually self-sufficient in mineral and energy resources, and land linked to Europe and the vast stretches of Asia, it has created a powerful Blue Ocean Navy that cannot be justified by any legitimate defense need. It is a Navy built for offensive action to cut the free world supply lines and render impossible the support by sea of free world allies. By contrast, the United States is a naval power by necessity, critically dependent on the trans-The Oceanic import of vital strategic materials. Over 90 percent of our commerce between the continents moves in ships. Freedom to use the seas as our nation's lifeblood. For that reason, our Navy is designed to keep the sea lanes open worldwide, a far greater task than closing those sea lanes at strategic choke points. Maritime superiority for us is a necessity. We must be able, in time of emergency, to venture in harm's way, controlling air, surface and subsurface areas to assure access to all the oceans of the world. Failure to do so will leave the credibility of our conventional defense sources in doubt. We are, as I said, building a 600-ship fleet, including 15 carrier battle groups. But numbers are not the final test. Those ships must be highly capable. The New Jersey and her sister ships can outgun and outclass any rival platform. This 58,000-ton ship, whose armor alone weighs more than our largest cruiser, is being recommissioned at no more than the cost of a new 4,000-ton frigate. The Big J is being reactivated with the latest in missile electronic warfare and communications technology. She's more than the best means of quickly adding real firepower to our Navy. She's a shining example of how this administration will rebuild America's armed forces on budget and on schedule, and with the maximum cost-effective application of high technology to its existing assets. The New Jersey's mission is to conduct prompt and sustained operations worldwide in support of our national interests. In some cases, deployment of the New Jersey will free up our overstressed aircraft carriers for other uses. While the aircraft carrier remains the foundation of American naval power, the battleship will today be the sovereign of the seas. In support of amphibious operations, the New Jersey 16-inch guns can deliver shells as heavy as an automobile with pinpoint accuracy. And with a speed of 35 knots, the New Jersey will be among the fastest ships afloat. History tells us that a delegate to the Continental Congress called the creation of our Navy the maddest idea in the world. Well, we've been questioned for bringing back this battleship, yet I would challenge anyone who's been aboard or even seen the New Jersey to argue its value. It seems odd and a little ironic to me that some of the same critics who accuse us of chasing technology and gold-plating our weapons systems have led the charge against the superbly cost-effective and maintainable New Jersey. I doubt if there's a better example of the cost consciousness of this administration than the magnificent ship that we're recommissioning today. However, even with maximum efficiency and an eye toward making every dollar count, we must not fool ourselves. Providing inadequate defense is not cheap. The price of peace is always high, but considering the alternative, it's worth it. Teddy Roosevelt said it well, we Americans have many grave problems to solve, many threatening evils to fight, and many needs to do if, as we hope and believe, we have the wisdom, the strength, the courage, and the virtue to do them. But we must face facts as they are. Our nation is that one among all nations of the earth, which holds in its hands the fate of the coming years. Today, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who worked on the New Jersey. You're a great team, and you did an outstanding job in putting her back into fighting trim. You represent a new spirit, a new sense of responsibility that we must have, a new sense of responsibility that we must have in all our shipyards and defense-related industries if public support for our vital task is to be maintained. This ship, as the secretary told us, was brought in on time and on budget, and from all reports the craftsmanship and professionalism of those involved in the project were superior. And I'm pleased to have the opportunity to extend the thanks of a grateful nation. The New Jersey, like any ship in our fleet, will depend on the ability, dedication, and yes, patriotism of you here who are her crew. You're the elite, 6,000 applied for the 1,500 crew spaces on the New Jersey. I have no doubt, too, that among your ranks will come the Spruances and the Halsey's and the Thompson's of tomorrow. A few moments ago, I quoted Teddy Roosevelt. Most people remember him as a man of strength and vitality, and yes, some have an image of a war-like man always spoiling for a fight. Well, let us remember he won the Nobel Peace Prize. An honor bestowed upon him for his courageous and energetic efforts to end the Russo-Japanese War. He knew the relationship between peace and strength, and he knew the importance of a strong Navy. The Navy of the United States, he said, is the right arm of the United States and is emphatically the peacemaker, woe to our country if we permit that right arm to become palsied or even to become flabby and inefficient. Well, the New Jersey today becomes our 514th ship and represents our determination to rebuild the strength of America's right arm so that we can preserve the peace. After valiant service in Vietnam and after saving the lives of countless Marines, the New Jersey was decommissioned in 1969. During that solemn ceremony, her last commanding officer, Captain Robert Peniston, spoke prophetically when he suggested that this mighty ship, quote, rest well, yet sleep lightly and hear the call, if again sounded, to provide firepower for freedom, unquote. Well, the call has been sounded. America needs the battleship once again to provide firepower for the defense of freedom and above all, to maintain the peace. She will truly fulfill her mission if her firepower never has to be used. Captain Fogarty, I hereby place the United States ship, New Jersey, in commission. God bless and God speed. Commander McKenna, hoist the colors and break the commission pendant. Aye, aye, sir. Chips, company. Uhtan, hoot. Will the guest please rise for our national anthem? Present harms. Will the guest please be seated? Chips, company. Parade, rest. I will now read my orders. Bureau of Personnel Order Number 3502 of 15 December 1982. From the Chief of Naval Personnel to Captain William M. Fogarty, United States Navy. Subject, change of duty orders. Upon commissioning USS New Jersey, BB-62, report immediate superior in command, if present, otherwise by message, for duty as commanding officer, USS New Jersey, BB-62. Signed, Lando W. Zek, Jr., Vice Admiral, United States Navy, Chief of Naval Personnel. I hereby proudly accept command of United States ship, New Jersey. Commander McKenna, set the watch. Chips, company. Uhtan, hoot. Navigator, set the watch. On deck, section one. Sir, the watch is set. Very well. Captain, the watch has been set. Very well. Pipe the crew to quarters. Aye, aye, Captain. Bolton's made. Pipe the crew to quarters. Americans, United States ship, New Jersey, reports for duty. Mr. President, I request permission to break your flag. Commander McKenna, break the flag of the President of the United States. Aye, aye, Captain. Present. Horms, will the guests please be seated. Ships, company. Parade, rest. Ladies and gentlemen, the commanding officer of the United States ship, New Jersey, Captain William M. Fogarty. Mr. President, distinguished guests, good friends of the battleship, officers and crew of the New Jersey. This is the day all of us in the battleship have been waiting for. This beautiful lady is once again a unit of the fleet. There are so many positive emotions running through me today, it is difficult to pin them down. But certainly the predominant ones are strong feelings of gratitude and pride. Gratitude to President Reagan for honoring us with his presence today, but more importantly for his wisdom in recognizing the need to increase the sea power of our country and bringing the battleship back. Gratitude to Secretary Layman for championing the return of the battleship throughout Congress and the country. To Senator Tower and many other congressional leaders for their support in telling our story to their colleagues on the hill. Our gratitude, the big J. A hearty welcome shipmate to the hundreds of former battleship crew members and the presidents and the members of the various battleship associations with us today. Our thanks also go to the civilian community of the Long Beach area for your hospitality and friendliness. And to the Navy League of the United States, true friends of the battleship. And a special thanks to those wonderful people of the state of New Jersey, several who are here today for your interest, your pride, and your support. I could go on and on and on mentioning those to whom I am grateful. But ladies and gentlemen, I am most grateful to my officers and crew. They are the finest, most dedicated, hardest working group of professionals I have ever served with. Their unwavering dedication in preparing themselves and our ship for sea trials and for this day can only be characterized as superb. I asked you for 100%. You gave me 150%. To our families whose dedication and support, and I might add patience, gave us all the added incentive to do it right, I extend a very heartfelt thank you. The pride that all of us in the battleship field today does not just rest on the decks of this battle-tested combatant, but pride also in our country and in our Navy, a Navy on the move. A Navy whose offensive firepower has increased significantly upon this day, the recommissioning of the Big J. This ship is everything any commanding officer could ask for if called upon to go in harm's way. Firepower with the most capable missiles and guns in existence. Survivability, which really means the ability to be hit and keep going. This is because of the heavy armor, both exterior and interior, and ship speed, fast as the fastest warship in the world, plus other capabilities that make this ship just plain tough. Additionally, but really in the final analysis, the cutting edge in battle, the people in this crew, the most intelligent, professional, highly trained, and dedicated of any Navy in the world. And if called upon to fight, we'll do it with a determination and a will to win unmatched anywhere. Yes, this ship is a commanding officer's dream, but not just because she's beautiful, majestic, fast, and a credible deterrent to war. But if deterrence fails, she has the firepower to win in battle and has this dirtiness to take punishment and keep going. In conclusion, and on behalf of the officers and crew of the battleship New Jersey, I thank all of you for being here today to share in our pride and joy. We in the battleship are aware of the traditions of this ship and the traditions of our wonderful Navy. We intend to continue those traditions of pride, professionalism, and excellence as our way of showing appreciation to all of you. And Mr. President, as a small token of our appreciation for your being here and for really making this day possible, I ask you to accept on behalf of the officers and crew of the New Jersey, a piece of teakwood that was removed from the deck for the modernization and something that has turned out to be even more valuable, a New Jersey ball cap. Ships, company, a tan hut. Will the guests please rise? Chaplain Hornsby will now deliver the benediction. Our Heavenly Father, we ask now that you would lead and guide us in New Jersey and keep us true to our best selves. Give us the will to do the work that we have to do and to accept our share of responsibility. Keep us loyal and faithful to our superiors and make us considerate of those committed to our leadership. Help us to wear our uniform with dignity. May it remind us daily of the traditions which we must uphold. Protect our families. If we are inclined to doubt, steady our faith. If we are tempted, make us strong to resist. If we should miss the mark, give us a courage to try again. Guide us with the light of truth and give us a wisdom to understand the answer to our prayer. Amen. Will the guests please be seated? Will the guests please remain seated until the ushers indicate that guests can leave the seating area and proceed to the reception area. Those guests who do not wish to tour the ship today are reminded that the ship will be available for visiting tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Your pass to the circle. Are you shooting kind of ways to the roof? Yeah.